California Proposes Bill to Expand Prison Sports Programs

The Second Chance Sports Act aims to make organized sports an official form of rehabilitation in state prisons.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:51pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and interactions of a prison sports game, rendered in a cubist style that captures the energy and complexity of the rehabilitation program.A cubist interpretation of the camaraderie and competitive spirit found in a prison sports program, a key component of California's efforts to reform its criminal justice system.Today in Sacramento

California lawmakers have proposed the Second Chance Sports Act, a bill that would formally recognize organized sports as a form of rehabilitation in state prisons. The bill, introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, would provide funding and resources to create sports teams like the San Quentin Giants in prisons across the state. The initiative has drawn bipartisan support and is part of a broader effort to transform California's penal system with more progressive policies.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation could serve as a model for other states looking to incorporate sports-based rehabilitation programs in their prison systems. By formalizing and funding these initiatives, California aims to better prepare incarcerated individuals for successful reintegration into their communities upon release.

The details

The Second Chance Sports Act would open the door for additional funding and resources to create sports teams in California prisons, modeled after the successful San Quentin Giants baseball team. The bill would be coordinated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and several professional sports teams have expressed interest in supporting the initiative.

  • Last month, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel proposed the Second Chance Sports Act.
  • The bill passed through its first committee in the California State Assembly uncontested on Tuesday.

The players

Jesse Gabriel

A Democratic lawmaker in California who proposed the Second Chance Sports Act.

Branden Terrell

A former shortstop on the San Quentin Giants who now runs a rehabilitation clinic in Butte County.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who has championed efforts to transform the state's penal system with more progressive policies.

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What they’re saying

“'It's just such a deeply intuitive approach to anyone who has played or coached sports. Yes, it's a really powerful tool to promote rehabilitation, but it's also a way to successfully reintegrate these folks back into the community.'”

— Jesse Gabriel, California Assemblymember

“'You're creating an alumni network of not just former players, but all the people that come in from the outside to play. They're business owners, they're managers, they're supervisors. Those are the relationships that create opportunities.'”

— Branden Terrell, Former San Quentin Giants player

What’s next

The Second Chance Sports Act will now move on to additional committees in the California State Assembly for further consideration.

The takeaway

The proposed legislation in California could serve as a model for other states looking to incorporate sports-based rehabilitation programs in their prison systems, helping to better prepare incarcerated individuals for successful reintegration into their communities.